‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ Wants John C. Reilly as a Go-Between

'Guardians of the Galaxy' is going to be a big movie that takes Marvel further into outer space concepts, so they need a performer to anchor the film. A human who serves as the bridge between its alien and human worlds. And that bridge may be John C. Reilly.

Drew McWeeny over at Hitfix is reporting that an offer has gone out to Reilly to play the part of Rhomann Dey, who he reports will act as the human agent who works with the Guardians, or -- as McWeeny describes him -- essentially the new agent Coulson. Drew also notes that every member of the team will have a personal grudge against Thanos, who showed up at the end of 'The Avengers,' but isn't the antagonist of the film. No, it's Michael Rooker's character Yondu who will be the film's big bad, with Lee Pace playing a character who starts off evil, but may get spun off into his own adventure.

Though the casting of John C. Reilly suggests that his role may be partly as comic relief (as he's shown in the Adam McKay/Will Ferrell films like 'Step Brothers' or as Dr. Steve Brule), but he also has great dramatic chops, and has been nominated for an Oscar. Hitfix also mentions that Reilly would have a partner in the film, and that Hugh Laurie, Alan Rickman, and Ken Watanabe have been mentioned for that role -- but the casting for that part isn't as far along. 'Guardians of the Galaxy is scheduled to hit theaters August 1, 2014.